WuXi AppTec began construction of a $120 million, 250,000-sq.-ft., integrated biologics center at its headquarters in Shanghai. The facility will provide integrated solutions for biologics discovery, development, and clinical manufacturing. It will be operational in 2017 and accommodate 800 scientists.

The biologics discovery center will use the OmniRat platform in collaboration with Open Monoclonal Technology, Inc., and in-house phage display libraries to help clients discover conventional mAbs, bi-specific mAbs and antibody-drug conjugates. The biologics development center will use WuXi's CHO cell line platform to develop robust fed-batch and perfusion processes. The co-located cGMP clinical manufacturing facilities will support four concurrent campaigns using 3x2000L fed-batch and 2x500L perfusion bioreactors.

"We are very pleased to continue to invest in our biologics capabilities and expand our capacities to support the ambitious plans of our global clients," said Dr. Ge Li, chairman and chief executive officer of WuXi AppTec. "Through this investment, WuXi will further strengthen its position as a global leader in biologics R&D, offering a truly unique integrated solution."